Pipeline traverse apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus ( 20 ) configured to effect personnel traverse though a pipeline ( 22 ) is presented. This apparatus ( 20 ) is suitable for pipelines ( 22 ) having an inner diameter ( 24 ) of not less than fifteen inches and not greater than thirty-six inches. The apparatus ( 20 ) is made up of a frame ( 26 ), a platform ( 28 ), a single drive wheel ( 40 ), and a pair of guidance wheels ( 72 ). An electric motor ( 48 ) is supported by a motor bracket ( 50 ) affixed to the frame ( 26 ). The motor ( 26 ) is coupled to the drive wheel ( 40 ) by a drive belt or chain ( 52 ). Each of the guidance wheels ( 72 ) has a plane of rotation ( 80 ), and is configured to contact an interior surface ( 36 ) of the pipeline ( 22 ) at a contact point ( 82 ) within that plane of rotation ( 80 ) when that plane of rotation ( 80 ) is substantially perpendicular to the interior surface ( 36 ) of the pipeline ( 22 ). This allows the apparatus ( 20 ) to automatically follow the curvature of the pipeline ( 22 ) during traverse.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of pipeline traverse apparatuses. More specifically, the present invention relates to the field of apparatuses to effect the traverse of personnel through a pipeline.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is often desirable for an individual to traverse a pipeline for the purpose of inspection or repair, or to simply pass from one point to another along the pipeline. To this end, pipeline traverse apparatuses for larger pipelines have been developed, typically in the form of a small car or sled.

A problem arises, however, in the traverse of small pipelines, e.g., those not greater than thirty-six inches in diameter. Such pipelines leave little room for both the individual and the apparatus to carry him/her.

Obviously, it is impossible to traverse a pipeline having a diameter smaller than the breadth of the individual involved. For this reason, personnel for the traverse of small pipelines are desirably small in stature. Even then, however, no traverse apparatus small enough to fit into a small pipeline with an attendant operator, and at the same time provide sufficient control to be practical has been devised.

One problem exists in that a small pipeline has a steeply curving interior surface. Conventional traverse apparatuses, when scaled down for use within such a pipeline, tend to crawl up the interior surface. This necessitates that the operator constantly correct the steering of the apparatus to prevent turning over within the pipeline. This necessity for constant correction makes the traverse slow and tiresome.

Another problem exists in that a small pipeline, having a steeply curving interior surface, provides an unstable surface for a typical four-wheeled traverse apparatus. Such an apparatus would constantly be tipping onto three of the four wheels whenever the apparatus is not exactly coincident with the axis of the pipeline. This is especially prevalent whenever the pipeline is itself not perfectly straight.

The inherent tipping of a conventional four-wheel apparatus would mean that one of the driving wheels would often fail to contact the interior surface of the pipeline. This would result in a loss of drive traction and, in the case of apparatuses having differential drive systems, a possible loss of drive power in toto.

What is desired, therefore, is a pipeline transit apparatus capable of effective use within a pipeline having an inner diameter of not greater than thirty-six inches, that does not tend to crawl up the interior surface of the pipeline, and that is stable within the pipeline at all times.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an advantage of the present invention that a pipeline traverse apparatus is provided.

It is an advantage of the pipeline traverse apparatus that canted guidance wheels allow traverse of an operator through the pipeline when an inner diameter of the pipeline is between fifteen and thirty-six inches, inclusive.

It is another advantage of the pipeline traverse apparatus that it has a pair of guidance wheels and a single drive wheel and therefore maintains stability in pipelines having diameters not greater than thirty-six inches even when the pipeline is curved.

The above and other advantages of the present invention are carried out in one form by an apparatus configured to effect traverse through a pipeline. The apparatus includes a platform, a motor coupled to the platform, a drive wheel coupled to the platform, coupled to the motor, having a plane of rotation substantially parallel to an axis of the pipeline, and configured to contact an interior surface of the pipeline at a contact point within the plane of rotation, and a plurality of guidance wheels coupled to the platform, wherein each of the guidance wheels has a plane of rotation substantially parallel to the axis of the pipeline and canted relative to the plane of rotation of the drive wheel, and wherein each of the guidance wheels is configured to contact the interior surface of the pipeline at a contact point within the plane of rotation.

The above and other advantages of the present invention are carried out in another form by an apparatus configured to effect traverse though a pipeline having an inner diameter of not less than fifteen inches and not greater than thirty-six inches. The apparatus incorporates a platform having a width not greater than eighty percent of the inner diameter of the pipeline, a motor coupled to the platform, and only three wheels configured to contact an inner surface of the pipeline. The three wheels are a drive wheel coupled to the platform and coupled to the motor, and a pair of guidance wheels coupled to the platform.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the Figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar items throughout the Figures, and:

FIG. 1 shows a side view depicting a pipeline traverse apparatus within a cutaway section of pipeline in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a front view depicting the pipeline traverse apparatus of FIG. 1 within a section of pipeline in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 shows a top view depicting the pipeline traverse apparatus of FIG. 1 within a cutaway section of pipeline in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 show side, front, and top views, respectively, depicting a pipeline traverse apparatus 20 within a section of pipeline 22 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The following discussion refers to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3.

Pipeline traverse apparatus 20 is configured to allow a human operator to traverse pipeline 22 when pipeline 22 has an inner diameter 24 of fifteen to thirty-six inches substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 25 of pipeline 22. Fitting both a human being and a traverse apparatus into such a small pipeline has always been a problem.

Pipeline traverse apparatus 20 is made up of a frame 26 to which is affixed a platform 28 to support the operator. Platform 28 has a width 29, substantially perpendicular to pipeline axis 25, not greater than eighty percent of inner diameter 24 of pipeline 22, i.e., twelve to twenty-four inches, depending upon the inner diameter 24 of the specific pipeline 22 in which apparatus 20 is to be used. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, platform 28 has a width 29 of fifteen inches, thereby providing a comfortable support of an operator of normal stature while permitting traverse of pipelines 22 having inner diameters of eighteen to thirty-six inches.

Platform 28 also has a length 30, substantially parallel to pipeline axis 25, of approximately thirty-six inches. A platform 28 of this size will provide comfortable support for an operator of normal stature. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that this specific length 30 of platform 28 is not a requirement of the present invention, and that other lengths 30 may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Platform 28 is divided into three sections. A first section 31 is configured to support the operator's chest and arms. A second section 32 is configured to support the operator's abdomen and hips. A third section 34 is configured to support the operator's legs, more specifically, the operator's thighs. This leaves the operators head free to move, thereby enabling the operator to look either ahead, behind, or at any specific portion of pipeline 22 as required. This also leaves the operator's feet free so his/her toes may touch an interior surface 36 of pipeline 22 to aid in guidance and control.

For comfort, it is desirable that the abdominal section 32 of platform 28 have a cushion 38. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the use of cushion 38 is not a requirement of the present invention.

Apparatus 20 is propelled though pipeline 22 by a drive wheel 40. In the preferred embodiment of the Figures, apparatus 20 <employs only one wheel 40 to support the third section of platform 28, and that one wheel is drive wheel 40 for apparatus 20. Drive wheel 40 is desirably a pneumatic wheel having a tread 42 configured to optimize friction between drive wheel 40 and pipeline interior surface 36. Alternatively or additionally, drive wheel 40 may be formed of a material to optimize friction.

A rear axle 44 is affixed to frame 26. Drive wheel 40 is then rotationally coupled to rear axle 44. This leaves drive wheel 40 free to turn and propel apparatus 20 in ether a forward or reverse direction through pipeline 22.

Drive wheel 40 has a plane of rotation 45. Drive wheel 40 is substantially transversely centrally located relative to frame 26 and platform 28. This allows drive wheel 40 to contact interior surface 36 of pipeline 22 at a contact point 47 with plane of rotation 45 that is coincident with a lowest point of interior surface 36, i.e., along a track 46 at the very bottom of interior surface 36. Drive-wheel plane of rotation 45 is therefore substantially vertical and intersects pipeline axis 25.

Drive wheel 40 is driven by an electric motor 48. Electric motor 48 is desirably supported by a motor bracket 50 affixed to frame 26. Drive wheel 40 is desirably coupled to electric motor 48 by a belt or chain 52. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the use of belt or chain 52 is not a requirement of the present invention, and that other methods coupling drive wheel 40 to electric motor 48 may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

A speed control 54 is located upon or adjacent to chest and arm section 31 of platform 28 and electrically coupled to electric motor 48. Speed control 54 allows an operator to control the speed of electric motor 48 and, through belt or chain 52, the speed of drive wheel 40. This in turn controls the speed at which apparatus 20 traverses pipeline 22. In the preferred embodiment of the Figures, speed control 54 consists of a rheostat 56 with a handle 58 upon its shaft. Rotating handle 58 varies the speed of apparatus 20 in a manner similar to that of a conventional motorcycle throttle.

Similarly, a direction control 60 is located upon or adjacent to chest and arm section 31 of platform 28 and electrically coupled to electric motor 48. Direction control 60 allows an operator to control the direction of electric motor 48 and, through belt or chain 52, the direction of drive wheel 40. This in turn controls the direction in which apparatus 20 traverses pipeline 22. In the preferred embodiment of the Figures, direction control 60 is a simple switch having “Forward”, “Off,” and “Reverse” positions.

For safety, a braking control 62 is desirably also located upon or adjacent to chest and arm section 31 of platform 28. Braking control 62 is coupled via a brake cable (not shown) to a brake caliper assembly 64 and a brake disk 66.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that speed control 54, direction control 60, and braking control 62 are not requirements of the present invention. Other methods may be used to control the speed, direction, and stopping of apparatus 20 without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Desirably, electric motor 48 and drive wheel 40 are substantially transversely centrally located within frame 26 and platform 28. This allows electric motor 48, drive wheel 40, and associated components to be placed within a housing 68 extending above and bifurcating leg section 34 of platform 28. In operation, an operator would lay upon platform 28 with one leg on each side of housing 68. Each part of leg section 34 of platform 28 supports one of the operator's legs above the knee, allowing the lower part of the leg to move so that the foot may contact interior surface 36 for assurance and control. The vertical distance above platform 28 required to accommodate electric motor 48 and drive wheel 40 is shared with the operator's legs resting upon leg section 64. This results in an efficient use of space, particularly with drive wheel 40 at the lowest point in pipeline 22.

In the preferred embodiment of the Figures, electric motor 48 is powered by a battery or batteries (not shown) contained in battery compartment 70 affixed to frame 26 under abdominal section 32 of platform 28, i.e., under cushion 38.

At the front of apparatus 20 are a pair of guidance wheels 72. Guidance wheels 72 serve to guide apparatus 20 and its attendant operator through pipeline 22 as discussed hereinafter. Guidance wheels 72 work with drive wheel 40 to guide apparatus 20 and its attendant operator through pipeline 22.

Guidance wheels 72 are not operator steerable. That is, apparatus 20 does not incorporate a steerage mechanism to control guidance wheels 72. Rather, the configuration of guidance wheels 72 (discussed hereinafter) allows guidance wheels 72 to automatically guide apparatus 20 through pipeline 22.

Desirably, guidance wheels 72 are pneumatic wheels, and may have a tread (not shown) or be formed of a material to facilitate straight-line tracking through pipeline 22.

Each of guidance wheels 72 is rotationally coupled to a front axle 74. A fixed axle part 76 of front axle 74 is affixed to frame 26. Pivotally coupled to each end of fixed part 76 is a pivoting axle part 78. Guidance wheels 72 are rotationally coupled to pivoting axle parts 78.

Each of guidance wheels 72 has a plane of rotation 80. Each pivoting axle part 78 is pivoted so that each guidance wheel 72 contacts interior surface 36 of pipeline 22 at a contact point 82 within its plane of rotation 80.

The planes of rotation 80 of guidance wheels 72 are canted relative to plane of rotation 45 of drive wheel 40, while remaining substantially parallel to pipeline axis 25. When properly pivoted, each plane of rotation 80 passes through pipeline axis 25, i.e., is substantially radial relative to pipeline 22. Each guidance wheel 72 rolls along a track 84 of that guidance wheel 72 on interior surface 36 of pipeline 22.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the use of pivoting axle parts 78 to effect perpendicularity between planes of rotation 80 of guidance wheels 72 and interior surface 36 of pipeline 22 is not a requirement of the present invention. Other methods of making planes of rotation 80 substantially radial relative to pipeline 22 may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Because guidance wheels 72 are substantially radial relative to pipeline 22, and because apparatus 20 is tricyclic in nature, apparatus 20 will automatically track pipeline 22 along tracks 46 and 84, constantly self-correcting for any tendency to climb interior surface 36 of pipeline 22.

In the preferred embodiment of the Figures, apparatus 20 has a headlamp 88 to illuminate pipeline 22. Headlamp 88 is desirably coupled to the battery (not shown) through direction control 60 so that, when motor 48 is powered, headlamp 88 is also powered. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that headlamp 88 is not a requirement of the present invention.

In summary, the present invention teaches an apparatus 20 to traverse a pipeline 22. Apparatus 20 is suitable for use in pipelines having an inner diameter 24 of fifteen to thirty-six inches. Apparatus 20 is configured to track along pipeline 22 while automatically correcting for the curvature of interior surface 36 of pipeline 22.

Although the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described in detail, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention or from the scope of the appended claims. 

1. An apparatus configured to effect traverse through a pipeline, said apparatus comprising: a platform; a motor coupled to said platform; a drive wheel coupled to said platform, coupled to said motor, having a plane of rotation substantially parallel to an axis of said pipeline, and configured to contact an interior surface of said pipeline at a contact point within said plane of rotation; and a plurality of guidance wheels coupled to said platform, wherein each of said guidance wheels has a plane of rotation substantially parallel to said axis of said pipeline and canted relative to said plane of rotation of said drive wheel, and wherein each of said guidance wheels is configured to contact said interior surface of said pipeline at a contact point within said plane of rotation.
 2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said planes of rotation of said drive wheel and each of said guidance wheels are substantially radial relative to said pipeline.
 3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said apparatus additionally comprises a front axle; and each of said guidance wheels is coupled to said front axle.
 4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein: said front axle comprises a plurality of pivoting parts; and each of said guidance wheels is rotationally coupled to one of said pivoting parts of said front axle.
 5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein: each of said pivoting parts of said front axle is configured to pivot so as to allow said plane of rotation of said guidance wheel rotationally coupled to said pivoting part to be substantially parallel to said axis of said pipeline and substantially radial relative to said pipeline.
 6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein said front axle additionally comprises a fixed part coupled to said platform and coupled between said first and second pivoting parts.
 7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 additionally comprising a frame, wherein said platform is affixed to said frame.
 8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7 additionally comprising a motor bracket affixed to said frame and configured to support said motor.
 9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said platform is configured to support an operator; and said platform comprises: a first section configured to support said operator's chest and arms; a second section configured to support said operator's abdomen; and a third section configured to support said operator's legs.
 10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9 additionally comprising a housing enshrouding said motor and said drive wheel and bifurcating said third section of said platform.
 11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein said housing extends above and bifurcates said third section of said platform.
 12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9 additionally comprising a cushion coupled to said second section of said platform.
 13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 additionally comprising a speed control coupled to said platform and electrically coupled to said motor.
 14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 additionally comprising a direction control coupled to said platform and electrically coupled to said motor.
 15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 additionally comprising a rear axle, wherein: said rear axle is coupled to said platform; and said drive wheel is rotationally coupled to said rear axle.
 16. An apparatus configured to effect traverse though a pipeline, said apparatus comprising: a platform; a motor coupled to said platform; and only three wheels configured to contact an inner surface of said pipeline, said three wheels comprising: a drive wheel coupled to said platform and coupled to said motor; and a pair of guidance wheels coupled to said platform.
 17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 16 wherein: said pipeline has an inner diameter of not less than fifteen inches and not greater than thirty-six inches; said platform has a width; and said width is not greater than eighty percent of said inner diameter of said pipeline.
 18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 16 wherein: said drive wheel has a plane of rotation and contacts said interior surface of said pipeline at a point of contact within said plane of rotation; and each of said pair of guidance wheels has a plane of rotation and contacts said interior surface at a contact point within said plane of rotation.
 19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 18 wherein each of said planes of rotation of said drive wheel and each of said guidance wheels is substantially radial relative to said pipeline.
 20. An apparatus configured to effect traverse though a pipeline having an inner diameter of not less than fifteen inches and not greater than thirty-six inches, said apparatus comprising: a platform having a width not greater than eighty percent of said inner diameter of said pipeline; a motor bracket affixed to said platform; a motor supported by said motor bracket; a drive wheel coupled to said platform, coupled to said motor, and having a plane of rotation substantially radial to said pipeline; and a pair of guidance wheels coupled to said frame, wherein each of said guidance wheels has a plane of rotation substantially radial relative to said pipeline. 